Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. In a gaming system of a gaming enterprise, the gaming system comprising gaming machines and a non-gaming kiosk, a method comprising: (a) the gaming system identifying a user's player account associated with a voucher/player card having an associated monetary value; (b) the gaming system determining the monetary value associated with the voucher/player card; (c) the non-gaming kiosk receiving, from the user, a request to redeem the voucher/player card; (d) the gaming system automatically converting a first portion of the monetary value to non-gaming player points associated with the user's player account and useable by the user to pay for non-gaming amenities at the gaming enterprise, wherein the first portion of the monetary value converted to the non-gaming player points comprises a fraction of a smallest denomination of paper currency available to be physically dispensed by the non-gaming kiosk; and (e) the non-gaming kiosk automatically physically dispensing, to the user, a second portion of the monetary value in paper currency, wherein the gaming system automatically selects non-zero values for the first and second portions of the monetary value based on a smallest denomination of paper currency available to be physically dispensed by the non-gaming kiosk, such that no monetary value associated with the voucher/player card is left unredeemed.
In the gaming industry, players often use vouchers or player cards with monetary value for gaming and non-gaming activities. A challenge arises when redeeming these vouchers, as remaining balances may be too small to dispense in physical currency, leading to unused funds. This invention addresses this issue by providing a method for a gaming system to automatically convert a portion of the voucher's monetary value into non-gaming player points while dispensing the remaining balance in physical currency. The gaming system identifies a user's player account linked to a voucher or player card and determines its monetary value. When the user requests redemption at a non-gaming kiosk, the system converts a fraction of the smallest available paper currency denomination into non-gaming player points, which can be used for non-gaming amenities like dining or entertainment. The remaining balance is dispensed as physical cash. The system ensures no funds are left unredeemed by dynamically allocating the monetary value between points and cash based on the smallest available currency denomination. This approach optimizes redemption efficiency and enhances user flexibility in spending.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the monetary value converted to the non-gaming player points comprises a fraction of a U.S. dollar.
A system and method for converting monetary value into non-gaming player points in a gaming environment involves transferring a portion of a monetary value from a player's account to a non-gaming rewards system. The method includes receiving a request to convert a monetary value into non-gaming player points, where the monetary value is associated with a player account in a gaming system. The system determines a conversion rate between the monetary value and the non-gaming player points, then converts a first portion of the monetary value into non-gaming player points based on the conversion rate. The converted points are then credited to a non-gaming rewards account associated with the player. The first portion of the monetary value converted into points includes a fraction of a U.S. dollar, allowing for precise and flexible conversion of small monetary amounts. The remaining portion of the monetary value may be retained in the gaming system for further use. This method enables players to accumulate non-gaming rewards while continuing to engage with the gaming system, enhancing player retention and satisfaction. The system ensures secure and accurate conversion of funds, with proper tracking and reporting of transactions.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the monetary value converted to the non-gaming player points further comprises an integer number of the smallest denomination of the paper currency available to be physically dispensed by the non-gaming kiosk.
This invention relates to a system for converting monetary value into non-gaming player points at a non-gaming kiosk, particularly addressing the challenge of ensuring precise and practical conversion of currency into redeemable points. The method involves converting a portion of the monetary value into non-gaming player points, where the first portion of the converted value includes an integer number of the smallest denomination of paper currency that the kiosk can physically dispense. This ensures that the conversion process aligns with the physical currency handling capabilities of the kiosk, avoiding fractional denominations that may complicate transactions. The remaining portion of the monetary value may be converted into additional non-gaming player points or other forms of value, depending on the system's configuration. The kiosk is designed to handle both the conversion and dispensing processes, providing users with a seamless experience. This approach optimizes the conversion process by leveraging the kiosk's existing currency dispensing mechanisms, ensuring accuracy and practicality in real-world transactions. The invention is particularly useful in environments where precise monetary conversions are required, such as casinos, retail establishments, or other venues where non-gaming rewards are offered.
4. A gaming system of a gaming enterprise, the gaming system comprising: a server; gaming machines configured to communicate with the server over a communication network of the gaming system; and a non-gaming kiosk configured to communicate with the server over the communication network of the gaming system, wherein: the gaming system is configured to identify a user's player account associated with a voucher/player card having an associated monetary value; the gaming system is configured to determine the monetary value associated with the voucher/player card; the non-gaming kiosk is configured to receive, from the user, a request to redeem the voucher/player card; the gaming system is configured to automatically convert a first portion of the monetary value to non-gaming player points associated with the user's player account and useable by the user to pay for non-gaming amenities at the gaming enterprise, wherein the gaming system is configured to enable the first portion of the monetary value converted to the non-gaming player points to comprise a fraction of a smallest denomination of paper currency available to be physically dispensed by the non-gaming kiosk; and the non-gaming kiosk is configured to automatically physically dispense, to the user, a second portion of the monetary value in paper currency, wherein the gaming system automatically selects non-zero values for the first and second portions of the monetary value based on a smallest denomination of paper currency available to be physically dispensed by the non-gaming kiosk, such that no monetary value of the voucher/player card is left unredeemed.
A gaming system for a gaming enterprise includes a server, gaming machines, and a non-gaming kiosk, all connected via a communication network. The system identifies a user's player account linked to a voucher or player card with an associated monetary value. The system determines the monetary value and processes redemption requests from the user at the non-gaming kiosk. Upon redemption, the system automatically converts a first portion of the monetary value into non-gaming player points, usable for non-gaming amenities like food, drinks, or services within the enterprise. The conversion allows fractional amounts of the smallest paper currency denomination available at the kiosk, ensuring precise value transfer. The remaining second portion is dispensed as physical paper currency. The system dynamically selects non-zero values for both portions based on the smallest available currency denomination, ensuring the entire voucher value is redeemed without leftover amounts. This system enhances flexibility by allowing partial conversions to non-gaming points while ensuring full redemption of the voucher's value.
5. The gaming system of claim 4 , wherein the gaming system is configured to enable the first portion of the monetary value converted to the non-gaming player points to comprise a fraction of a U.S. dollar.
A gaming system is designed to facilitate the conversion of monetary value into non-gaming player points, addressing the need for flexible and precise value exchange in gaming environments. The system allows a first portion of the converted monetary value to be represented as a fraction of a U.S. dollar, enabling fine-grained adjustments to player rewards. This feature supports fractional denominations, such as cents or smaller increments, ensuring accurate and customizable point allocations. The system may also include mechanisms to track and manage the conversion process, ensuring transparency and consistency in value exchange. By allowing fractional dollar amounts, the system enhances flexibility in reward structures, accommodating various gaming scenarios and player preferences. The overall design ensures seamless integration with existing gaming platforms while providing precise control over point distribution. This approach improves user experience by offering more granular reward options, aligning with modern gaming and loyalty program requirements. The system may further include additional features, such as real-time conversion tracking and dynamic adjustment capabilities, to optimize player engagement and satisfaction.
6. The gaming system of claim 4 , wherein the gaming system is configured to enable the first portion of the monetary value converted to the non-gaming player points to further comprise an integer number of the smallest denomination of the paper currency available to be physically dispensed by the non-gaming kiosk.
A gaming system integrates with a non-gaming kiosk to facilitate currency conversion between monetary value and non-gaming player points. The system addresses the challenge of seamless value exchange in environments where gaming and non-gaming services coexist, such as casinos with adjacent retail or dining areas. The non-gaming kiosk allows users to convert monetary value into non-gaming player points, which can be redeemed for goods or services outside gaming activities. The system ensures that the first portion of the converted monetary value includes an integer number of the smallest denomination of paper currency physically dispensed by the kiosk. This feature prevents fractional currency issuance, maintaining practicality and compliance with physical cash handling standards. The gaming system may also include a player tracking module to monitor non-gaming transactions and a redemption module to process point conversions back to monetary value. The kiosk interfaces with a central server to validate transactions and update point balances in real time. This design enhances user convenience by enabling flexible value transfer while adhering to financial and operational constraints.
7. The non-gaming kiosk of claim 4 .
8. The server of claim 4 .
9. The gaming system of claim 4 , wherein the non-gaming player points can be used to pay for one or more of food, entertainment, parking, and lodging.
A gaming system is designed to enhance player engagement by integrating non-gaming rewards into a casino or entertainment environment. The system allows players to earn non-gaming player points through gameplay, which can then be redeemed for various non-gaming services and amenities. These points are specifically usable to pay for food, entertainment, parking, and lodging, providing players with tangible benefits beyond traditional casino rewards. The system tracks and manages these points, ensuring they can be applied to real-world services, thereby increasing player satisfaction and loyalty. By offering a broader range of redemption options, the system addresses the limitation of traditional casino rewards, which often focus solely on gaming-related incentives. This approach encourages players to engage more frequently and spend more time within the casino or affiliated venues, as they can directly use their earned points for everyday needs. The integration of non-gaming rewards into the gaming ecosystem creates a more holistic and rewarding experience for players, aligning with modern consumer preferences for flexible and practical benefits.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-gaming player points can be used to pay for one or more of food, entertainment, parking, and lodging.
This invention relates to a system for integrating non-gaming player points into a broader payment ecosystem within a gaming environment, such as a casino or resort. The problem addressed is the limited utility of traditional casino loyalty points, which are often restricted to gaming-related rewards. The invention expands the redemption options for non-gaming player points, allowing them to be used for real-world services and goods, such as food, entertainment, parking, and lodging. This enhances player engagement by providing more flexible and practical rewards, encouraging continued patronage. The system likely includes a digital or physical points tracking mechanism, a redemption interface, and partnerships with vendors to facilitate non-gaming transactions. By enabling points to cover everyday expenses, the invention bridges the gap between gaming rewards and real-world utility, making loyalty programs more valuable to players. This approach may also increase customer retention and spending by offering tangible, non-gaming benefits. The invention represents an advancement in casino loyalty programs by aligning rewards with broader consumer needs.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) comprises the non-gaming kiosk physically receiving the voucher/player card.
A system and method for processing vouchers or player cards in a non-gaming kiosk environment addresses the need for secure and efficient handling of physical vouchers or player identification cards outside traditional gaming systems. The invention involves a non-gaming kiosk equipped with mechanisms to physically receive and process vouchers or player cards, enabling transactions such as redemption, validation, or account linking without requiring direct interaction with a gaming machine. The kiosk includes hardware components like card readers, scanners, or input slots to accept the physical voucher or player card, along with software to authenticate, validate, or update the card's data. This allows users to perform transactions in a standalone kiosk setting, improving accessibility and reducing reliance on gaming terminals. The system may also integrate with backend systems to verify card authenticity, update balances, or generate new vouchers, ensuring secure and seamless operations. The invention enhances convenience for users by providing an alternative to gaming machines for voucher or card processing, while maintaining security and compliance with regulatory standards.
12. The gaming system of claim 4 , wherein the non-gaming kiosk physically receives the voucher/player card.
A gaming system integrates a non-gaming kiosk that physically accepts a voucher or player card. The kiosk is designed to handle physical media, such as printed vouchers or magnetic-stripe cards, enabling players to redeem or transfer value between gaming and non-gaming activities. The system includes a gaming machine that generates or validates these vouchers, allowing players to carry value outside the gaming environment. The non-gaming kiosk may also dispense physical vouchers or cards, facilitating transactions like cash redemption, loyalty rewards, or access to non-gaming services. The kiosk communicates with a central server to verify and update transaction records, ensuring secure and accurate value transfers. This system bridges gaming and non-gaming ecosystems, providing flexibility for players to manage funds and rewards across different platforms. The physical interaction with the kiosk ensures compatibility with existing voucher-based systems while expanding functionality to include non-gaming services. The solution addresses the need for seamless value transfer between gaming and non-gaming environments, enhancing player convenience and operational efficiency.
Unknown
September 24, 2019
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